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The Myth of Mr. Mom
The Myth of Mr. Mom is a collaborative non-fiction essay anthology written by stay-at-home dads that shares the personal stories of eight men from around the world.
The goal of the book is to help bring awareness to the fact that men are just as capable as women of being the primary caregiver, homemaker, and stay-at-home parent. We feel that there is a societal bias against stay-at-home dads that does not exist for stay-at-home mothers and seek to bring our stories to the public.
Filled with humorous anecdotes and eye-opening personal experiences, The Myth of Mr. Mom is simultaneously inspiring and entertaining.
The goal of the book is to help bring awareness to the fact that men are just as capable as women of being the primary caregiver, homemaker, and stay-at-home parent. We feel that there is a societal bias against stay-at-home dads that does not exist for stay-at-home mothers and seek to bring our stories to the public.
Filled with humorous anecdotes and eye-opening personal experiences, The Myth of Mr. Mom is simultaneously inspiring and entertaining.
- GenresNonfictionParenting
167 pages, Paperback
First published November 13, 2011
6 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
Jeremy Rodden
19 books188 followersI spent the first ten years of my professional life in retail sales, working my way up to store management positions in two different Fortune 500 retailers. Along the way, I managed to earn a BA in Religion and English Writing from La Salle University in Philadelphia, PA and an MA in Secondary Education from Holy Family University, also in Philadelphia.
After completing my Masters, I began teaching high school English. When my second son was born in May, 2010, however, my wife and I decided that it would be more prudent for me to be a stay-at-home dad, taking care of the new baby along with my first child, who was born in June, 2005. I have since had the challenge and pleasure of being a homemaker.
It was at this time that I finally grasped the stories that had been in my head since I was a teenager and wrangled them to paper. Toonopolis began as a silly interactive fiction game played with some real life and virtual friends. The game only lasted a few years but the world I had created and my characters never escaped my thoughts.
As a writer, I consider C.S. Lewis and Lewis Carroll as my strongest influences. They were able to create magical worlds that readers of all ages enjoy, which is exactly what I want to achieve with Toonopolis. It is a lofty goal, indeed, but the only goals that will invariably be unachievable are the ones that are not set.
Welcome to my world. I hope you have as much fun as I do.
After completing my Masters, I began teaching high school English. When my second son was born in May, 2010, however, my wife and I decided that it would be more prudent for me to be a stay-at-home dad, taking care of the new baby along with my first child, who was born in June, 2005. I have since had the challenge and pleasure of being a homemaker.
It was at this time that I finally grasped the stories that had been in my head since I was a teenager and wrangled them to paper. Toonopolis began as a silly interactive fiction game played with some real life and virtual friends. The game only lasted a few years but the world I had created and my characters never escaped my thoughts.
As a writer, I consider C.S. Lewis and Lewis Carroll as my strongest influences. They were able to create magical worlds that readers of all ages enjoy, which is exactly what I want to achieve with Toonopolis. It is a lofty goal, indeed, but the only goals that will invariably be unachievable are the ones that are not set.
Welcome to my world. I hope you have as much fun as I do.
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June 12, 2020It’s the typical Ladybird book image: Daddy with a saw and Mummy with an apron and a baking tin and it can often catch people unawares to see anything other than this, even though the family dynamic is a constantly changing thing.
I had firsthand experience of this recently. My husband is much better at housework than I am but I’m (affectionately) known as “DIY Donna”. So when David left to go to work recently and the door was sticking, I grabbed my rasp and file and set about fixing the problem. And boy didn’t I get some strange looks! Granted I was wearing yellow pyjamas with little pink pigs on and a pink towelling robe but I can’t help but wonder if a man in a dressing gown would have been met with quite the same incredulity.
I have to say, I’m not remotely maternal in the conventional sense (i.e., unless the children in question are furry with paws) so I couldn’t compare my own experiences of parenthood but I have faced stereotypes myself: I’m a woman so I must want children. I have six cats so they must be child substitutes. I’ll reach a ‘certain age’ and suddenly my biological clock will kick in. All poppycock, of course, so I was interested to read The Myth of Mr Mom to read about the writers’ experiences of facing – and hopefully overcoming – gender stereotypes of a different kind.
There are eight stories in The Myth of Mr Mom and surprisingly each one is quite unique, something Jeremy Rodden himself comments on in the afterword. These stay-at-home-dads or stay-at-home-pops (and my word even their abbreviations of SAHD and SAHP seem to start them on the back foot) have faced many similar scenarios or battles but each has started from a different point and approached their journey in a different way.
There were two stories that really stood out for me. One was a very humorous tale from Christian Jensen (“Mr Mom: A Retrospective”), which amused me greatly but also underscored my reasons for not wanting to be a mother. (Sorry Christian: I’m guessing that wasn’t your main aim!). I say that because there’s a clear and evidenced love for Jensen’s children evident throughout the essay, despite the dry wit and sarcasm, which made it very touching but also made me very aware that I wouldn’t have the patience or compassion to take on his role!
The other story that touched me was “Little Pink Umbrella” by Charlie Andrews. It touched me because I loved the idea of the father who stands, quite willingly, on a corner with a little pink umbrella, waiting for his daughter. Of course, there is a much more to the story than that but it stopped me in my tracks. My own father did many things for me that I daresay didn’t fit with his 'conventional role' but which he did for my sake. This is the aspect of fatherhood that often goes unrewarded or even unacknowledged. We joke about man flu or the father who can’t even get a diaper on. We assume that a man with a baby is stepping in or has been ‘lumbered’ for the day (my great maternal instincts kicking in again there!) but actually we often do ‘fathers’ the same disservice that women as a whole were done for many years. We make baseless assumptions about their validity and societal value, their roles and responsibilities and most of all, who they are.
If The Myth of Mr Mom had a flaw for me, it’s that I would have liked to read an essay from someone much older who had really had to fight against the norm, not just of recent decades but an earlier, stauncher and perhaps more judgmental time period. Not that the stories contained are not inspirational but I think that would have added an extra dimension for me. However, Rodden mentions a potential second volume so perhaps this is a tale yet to be seen.
I have made this a ‘Christmas Pick: For Dads’ because I don’t think you need to be a Stay-at-Home-Dad to enjoy it. In fairness, I don’t even think you need to be a male to enjoy it. However, I do think it will resonate with loving fathers because the key thing that links all of these stories is fatherly love and bundles of it. Buy this for your father and show them not only that you love them but that you love the love that they gave you and that every sacrifice – large or small – has not gone unrecognised.
Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. I did not receive any additional compensation.
I had firsthand experience of this recently. My husband is much better at housework than I am but I’m (affectionately) known as “DIY Donna”. So when David left to go to work recently and the door was sticking, I grabbed my rasp and file and set about fixing the problem. And boy didn’t I get some strange looks! Granted I was wearing yellow pyjamas with little pink pigs on and a pink towelling robe but I can’t help but wonder if a man in a dressing gown would have been met with quite the same incredulity.
I have to say, I’m not remotely maternal in the conventional sense (i.e., unless the children in question are furry with paws) so I couldn’t compare my own experiences of parenthood but I have faced stereotypes myself: I’m a woman so I must want children. I have six cats so they must be child substitutes. I’ll reach a ‘certain age’ and suddenly my biological clock will kick in. All poppycock, of course, so I was interested to read The Myth of Mr Mom to read about the writers’ experiences of facing – and hopefully overcoming – gender stereotypes of a different kind.
There are eight stories in The Myth of Mr Mom and surprisingly each one is quite unique, something Jeremy Rodden himself comments on in the afterword. These stay-at-home-dads or stay-at-home-pops (and my word even their abbreviations of SAHD and SAHP seem to start them on the back foot) have faced many similar scenarios or battles but each has started from a different point and approached their journey in a different way.
There were two stories that really stood out for me. One was a very humorous tale from Christian Jensen (“Mr Mom: A Retrospective”), which amused me greatly but also underscored my reasons for not wanting to be a mother. (Sorry Christian: I’m guessing that wasn’t your main aim!). I say that because there’s a clear and evidenced love for Jensen’s children evident throughout the essay, despite the dry wit and sarcasm, which made it very touching but also made me very aware that I wouldn’t have the patience or compassion to take on his role!
The other story that touched me was “Little Pink Umbrella” by Charlie Andrews. It touched me because I loved the idea of the father who stands, quite willingly, on a corner with a little pink umbrella, waiting for his daughter. Of course, there is a much more to the story than that but it stopped me in my tracks. My own father did many things for me that I daresay didn’t fit with his 'conventional role' but which he did for my sake. This is the aspect of fatherhood that often goes unrewarded or even unacknowledged. We joke about man flu or the father who can’t even get a diaper on. We assume that a man with a baby is stepping in or has been ‘lumbered’ for the day (my great maternal instincts kicking in again there!) but actually we often do ‘fathers’ the same disservice that women as a whole were done for many years. We make baseless assumptions about their validity and societal value, their roles and responsibilities and most of all, who they are.
If The Myth of Mr Mom had a flaw for me, it’s that I would have liked to read an essay from someone much older who had really had to fight against the norm, not just of recent decades but an earlier, stauncher and perhaps more judgmental time period. Not that the stories contained are not inspirational but I think that would have added an extra dimension for me. However, Rodden mentions a potential second volume so perhaps this is a tale yet to be seen.
I have made this a ‘Christmas Pick: For Dads’ because I don’t think you need to be a Stay-at-Home-Dad to enjoy it. In fairness, I don’t even think you need to be a male to enjoy it. However, I do think it will resonate with loving fathers because the key thing that links all of these stories is fatherly love and bundles of it. Buy this for your father and show them not only that you love them but that you love the love that they gave you and that every sacrifice – large or small – has not gone unrecognised.
Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. I did not receive any additional compensation.
December 23, 2011
Being a stay-at-home parent hasn't always been looked down upon. However as more women willing choose to join the work force and a career path that involved brief cases and meetings instead of binkies and nap times;stay-at-home parents began to get bad rap. For women who chose to stay-at-home, they were looked at as being soft, since they stayed home all day, or even worse as naive, since they let their "man" do all the work and make all the decisions. For men who chose to stay at home, the reaction was even worse. Men were long considered the bread winners of the family, so when they decided to stay home not only were they considered lazy, it was even looked at to the point that there was something inherently wrong with them. That they couldn't "cut it" in society or worse that they were purposely manipulating their poor wives into working, while they stayed home and did nothing.
For women the original opinion has changed greatly. In today's economy if the woman is fortunate enough to be able to stay home, they are no longer looked at as naive or soft. She is no longer pictured as sitting at home watching soaps and eating bon-bons all day. More people have come to realize that running a household can be similar to running a business, with coordinating schedules, house hold budgets, etc. It is no longer assumed that just because a women isn't working that she doesn't have an equal say.
However while women have been able to shed the majority of negative connotations, men unfortunately have not. The majority of people still view stay at home dads as lazy or selfish or both.
I really liked this book. The essays gave great insight into a new family dynamic that is on the rise, and shines a spotlight on the biases that are still prevalent in today's society towards it. They take the reader inside a world that they may not be wholly familiar with, often with humor, but always with honesty. I feel it's a great read whether you have children or not. I think that it should be required reading if you have a significant other who has decided to stay home with the kids. (whether they are male or female) I have been on both sides of the fence, and I know that when I was the main bread winner for my family it was hard to understand what my husband went through. I think that this book would have also been of great help to him since it would have helped him to see that there were other stay-at-home dads too.
One of the few things that I noticed though was that all the men had jobs that they could do from home. I would love to find out if this was from boredom and wanting to have something to do outside of the home, or because of today's economy and they needed to find a way to help the family finances, OR if they felt compelled to find work because they were tired of people looking down on them because they weren't working outside the home. I know in at least one of the writers cases, he needed to provide an income for himself and his daughter and that he was lucky enough that he could work from home and his daughter's mother wasn't involved in the financial equation for the household.
Anyway, I really liked this book. There were parts that made me laugh out loud, parts that had me nodding my head in agreement, and parts that had me wanting to find some of those people who had the gall to say degrading things to these fathers and smack them upside the head. If there was any problem I had with the book it would be that it was short, and I wanted to read more. As a side note to all stay-at-home dads may I commend you on your choices. I'm not saying that all dads should stay home, that is something that should be decided on an individual basis, but in a world that gives you grief over your choices remember that what it comes down to is that the people that matter, your kids, your significant other, (and you!) are happy in the end.
December 31, 2011
The Myth of Mr. Mom was a very enlightening read for me. It made me realize many men are the primary caregivers in their families, but we as a society stigmatize them, as though there were something wrong with men who choose to be stay at home dads. We never question a woman who states her occupation is “a wife and mother”, but we tend to wonder why the guy who says his occupation is “a husband and father” can't find a job. There is something essentially wrong in a society that declares itself to be in favor of equality but is judgmental of something that is a choice for individual families to make – who will work and who will stay home with the kids.
I applaud the fathers who share their stories in this anthology. It made me realize that I needed to learn to look at fathers as primary caregivers. I realized that some fathers took care of their kids full time, I even know a few who do, but somehow it had never dawned on me that it’s just as voluntary a choice as it is when a mother decides to stay home with the kids.
These men are setting examples and opening up to tell their stories in a frank way. At times it is humorous, but at other times you can feel the frustration these fathers feel at having their work devalued. Their children are their work and it is a job they are wholeheartedly committed to. They have chosen to put their children and making a home for them above personal ambitions, sometimes at great personal cost, but they have joyfully made the decision based on the love they feel for the tiny person entrusted to their care.
I would really recommend The Myth of Mr. Mom to anyone it helps shatter a stereotype that has been allowed to persist too long. I would also recommend it families who are having the debate about who is going to stay home with the kids, because, frankly, the father should be as much of an option as the wife is. I think The Myth of Mr. Mom will really help to both open up discussion of the subject and also give these fathers a realistic view of what’s in store for them. Also, each of the contributors to this anthology: Jeremy Rodden, Sonny Lemmons, Christian Jenson, Shawn Scarber, Toby Tate, Leo Dee, Charlie Andrews and Gerhi Feuren have left contact information so other fathers who are either acting as primary caregivers or who are considering it can get in touch with them. This resource is worth far more than the price of the book, which is negligible. I definitely recommend The Myth of Mr. Mom.
I applaud the fathers who share their stories in this anthology. It made me realize that I needed to learn to look at fathers as primary caregivers. I realized that some fathers took care of their kids full time, I even know a few who do, but somehow it had never dawned on me that it’s just as voluntary a choice as it is when a mother decides to stay home with the kids.
These men are setting examples and opening up to tell their stories in a frank way. At times it is humorous, but at other times you can feel the frustration these fathers feel at having their work devalued. Their children are their work and it is a job they are wholeheartedly committed to. They have chosen to put their children and making a home for them above personal ambitions, sometimes at great personal cost, but they have joyfully made the decision based on the love they feel for the tiny person entrusted to their care.
I would really recommend The Myth of Mr. Mom to anyone it helps shatter a stereotype that has been allowed to persist too long. I would also recommend it families who are having the debate about who is going to stay home with the kids, because, frankly, the father should be as much of an option as the wife is. I think The Myth of Mr. Mom will really help to both open up discussion of the subject and also give these fathers a realistic view of what’s in store for them. Also, each of the contributors to this anthology: Jeremy Rodden, Sonny Lemmons, Christian Jenson, Shawn Scarber, Toby Tate, Leo Dee, Charlie Andrews and Gerhi Feuren have left contact information so other fathers who are either acting as primary caregivers or who are considering it can get in touch with them. This resource is worth far more than the price of the book, which is negligible. I definitely recommend The Myth of Mr. Mom.
November 26, 2011
I actually found it kind of interesting that some of what these men went through and worried about before becoming primary caregiver echo worries that I myself have. I don't have children yet and I'm always worrying I'll be a terrible, not-nurturing-mother. In fact, that combined with how much of a slob I am, I've always thought that my fiance would be a much better primary caregiver than I could ever be.
It was refreshing to read these (sometimes quite humorous) accounts of men that have made the transition into the stay-at-home-dad occupation, and it's reassuring to know that a fellow human being can successfully make that lifestyle change and sometimes even manage to do a bit of writing or other work on the side to help out with income, even if it takes a while to become established. Even though I'm female, because I'm working full time at the moment and because I've never been a "normal" (read: stereotypical) female, I feel like I can sympathize with these men who are trying so hard to do right by their children.
I think anyone, no matter the gender, who is about to leave the workforce to stay at home and care for the kids and house ought to read this book. Especially menfolk, of course. I think men need to know that it is okay to be nurturing.
As a side note, after reading Jeremy's essay about his father-in-law just not understanding Jeremy's decision to stay at home, I wonder if the reason it's so much easier for the newer generation of fathers to stay at home is because it wasn't until the 70s that women really started to attend college and get higher paying jobs en masse. Our parents and grandparents just didn't grow up in an era where they were used to seeing women be the breadwinners. Men didn't have a chance to stay at home and be nurturing because that was never an option for them. Women just didn't have a chance at higher paying jobs back then. Just a thought.
Also, as a second side note, some of these essays made me laugh out loud, and I'll be going back through the authors and queuing up some of their other books to give them a shot some time. :)
It was refreshing to read these (sometimes quite humorous) accounts of men that have made the transition into the stay-at-home-dad occupation, and it's reassuring to know that a fellow human being can successfully make that lifestyle change and sometimes even manage to do a bit of writing or other work on the side to help out with income, even if it takes a while to become established. Even though I'm female, because I'm working full time at the moment and because I've never been a "normal" (read: stereotypical) female, I feel like I can sympathize with these men who are trying so hard to do right by their children.
I think anyone, no matter the gender, who is about to leave the workforce to stay at home and care for the kids and house ought to read this book. Especially menfolk, of course. I think men need to know that it is okay to be nurturing.
As a side note, after reading Jeremy's essay about his father-in-law just not understanding Jeremy's decision to stay at home, I wonder if the reason it's so much easier for the newer generation of fathers to stay at home is because it wasn't until the 70s that women really started to attend college and get higher paying jobs en masse. Our parents and grandparents just didn't grow up in an era where they were used to seeing women be the breadwinners. Men didn't have a chance to stay at home and be nurturing because that was never an option for them. Women just didn't have a chance at higher paying jobs back then. Just a thought.
Also, as a second side note, some of these essays made me laugh out loud, and I'll be going back through the authors and queuing up some of their other books to give them a shot some time. :)
December 3, 2011
Yup the stay at home dad. I always thought I had a pretty good outlook on stay at home dads and actually know a few (dad's of kids who are in my kids class at school) I applaud any man who decides to take on this role, but after reading this I only wish more men would stand up and proudly shout to the world, "I am a stay at home dad and I am proud of it"
I loved this anthology, but have to say that I "connected" best with the second chapter, an essay from Christian Jensen. From the get go he could have been describing my daily life, other than my kids get up before I do, can't imagine trying to write anything before 6:30am and don't have quite his quirky sense of humor. (though I love it!) I laughed so hard I cried reading this essay and will be happily reading it out loud to my own husband when he returns from drill this weekend, I think he will find it rather amusing as well.
I love that he...well I don't want to spoil it, but let me say his "encouraging" notes on the kids lunch sacks are priceless. Makes me think of the time I proudly walked my kids to the bus in my penguin flannel jammies, old ratty robe, and hubby's slippers because the driver has asked to speak with me about my the youngest boy's actions while he rode the bus. Utter humiliation for the child, yup. Will he act up again on the bus...probably not. LOL
Yes even though I am a stay at home mom, which seems to be more accepted in society, I understood, agreed with, and nodded along with these essays. You see it doesn't matter who's at home, mom or dad, we deal with the same issues, challenges, and we enjoy it. So the next time you meet a stay at home dad, don't think less of him, shake his hand and congratulate him for choosing what I think is the most rewarding job there is. Yes it is a job, without a paycheck, no vacation time, but none of that matters when the kidlets snuggle up, give you smooshy kisses and say you are the best mom/or dad in the world.
Whether you are a mom or a dad or an aunt, uncle or even just thinking of having kids, you need to read this anthology, it is worth it and I can't wait to read more. (hint hint Jeremy, start planning the next installment please)
I loved this anthology, but have to say that I "connected" best with the second chapter, an essay from Christian Jensen. From the get go he could have been describing my daily life, other than my kids get up before I do, can't imagine trying to write anything before 6:30am and don't have quite his quirky sense of humor. (though I love it!) I laughed so hard I cried reading this essay and will be happily reading it out loud to my own husband when he returns from drill this weekend, I think he will find it rather amusing as well.
I love that he...well I don't want to spoil it, but let me say his "encouraging" notes on the kids lunch sacks are priceless. Makes me think of the time I proudly walked my kids to the bus in my penguin flannel jammies, old ratty robe, and hubby's slippers because the driver has asked to speak with me about my the youngest boy's actions while he rode the bus. Utter humiliation for the child, yup. Will he act up again on the bus...probably not. LOL
Yes even though I am a stay at home mom, which seems to be more accepted in society, I understood, agreed with, and nodded along with these essays. You see it doesn't matter who's at home, mom or dad, we deal with the same issues, challenges, and we enjoy it. So the next time you meet a stay at home dad, don't think less of him, shake his hand and congratulate him for choosing what I think is the most rewarding job there is. Yes it is a job, without a paycheck, no vacation time, but none of that matters when the kidlets snuggle up, give you smooshy kisses and say you are the best mom/or dad in the world.
Whether you are a mom or a dad or an aunt, uncle or even just thinking of having kids, you need to read this anthology, it is worth it and I can't wait to read more. (hint hint Jeremy, start planning the next installment please)
December 7, 2011
This is not a book I would normally read, but because I really enjoyed Jeremy Rodden's Toonopolis: Gemini I decided to give this collection of essays a try.
And yet again I was reminded how rewarding it can be to step outside of your reading comfort zone once in a while.
This is a fun and interesting book to read. Being an open minded person myself when it comes to gender roles and such, I never would have thought there were so many prejudices against stay-at-home dads. The humorous way in which the authors in this anthology write about the prejudices and difficulties they encounter, show that they don't let themselves be taken down though. I think this book would be a great help to all those stay-at-home dads who suffer from the same kind of prejudice if only so they know they're not alone.
Other readers will certainly enjoy this anthology as well. It has many funny anecdotes and it will get you thinking about your own look at life and what hidden prejudices you might have.
As for the writing:
I enjoyed the writing of all the authors in this anthology. Because these are essays it's not a clear indication of their overall writing, but I'm going to investigate what other things these authors have written and see if there's anything that fits my reading tastes.
And yet again I was reminded how rewarding it can be to step outside of your reading comfort zone once in a while.
This is a fun and interesting book to read. Being an open minded person myself when it comes to gender roles and such, I never would have thought there were so many prejudices against stay-at-home dads. The humorous way in which the authors in this anthology write about the prejudices and difficulties they encounter, show that they don't let themselves be taken down though. I think this book would be a great help to all those stay-at-home dads who suffer from the same kind of prejudice if only so they know they're not alone.
Other readers will certainly enjoy this anthology as well. It has many funny anecdotes and it will get you thinking about your own look at life and what hidden prejudices you might have.
As for the writing:
I enjoyed the writing of all the authors in this anthology. Because these are essays it's not a clear indication of their overall writing, but I'm going to investigate what other things these authors have written and see if there's anything that fits my reading tastes.
January 15, 2012
"The Myth of Mr. Mom" offers a rare insight into lives of stay-at-home dads. There are 8 short stories that delve into life of these remarkable men - their trials and tribulations. Lots of humour and thought provoking moments as this minority of child care and rearing aspect of society is explored. I won a copy of this book through a GOODREADS drawing, and have shared it with my bookclub, who embraced it with as much enthusiasm and zealas myself! A recommended read.
May 13, 2014
Some great, well-written stories... some not-so-great, not so well-written ones. Overall though, the idea expressed in the preface, that myths about the stay-at-home dad are widely held/believed in societies world-wide and are inherently sexist, insulting, and wrong, is a beautiful and accurate one. A must (quick) read for every stay-at-home dad (and everyone wondering what myths I'm talking about).
June 20, 2014
This was a quick, entertaining read. When I initially came across it, it caught my eye because there was a period in my childhood when we referred to my dad as Mr. Mom.
This collection of essays was a fascinating look at society's view of father as nurturer and homemaker, as it compares with these dads' actual experiences in this role.
This collection of essays was a fascinating look at society's view of father as nurturer and homemaker, as it compares with these dads' actual experiences in this role.
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July 4, 2012Full review here
http://www.yourneedtoread.blogspot.co...
I agreed to review this because as a stay at home mom, I wanted to see how the male version did it. Yup the stay at home dad. I always thought I had a pretty good outlook on stay at home dads and actually know a few (dad's of kids who are in my kids class at school) I applaud any man who decides to take on this role, but after reading this I only wish more men would stand up and proudly shout to the world, "I am a stay at home dad and I am proud of it"
I loved this anthology, but have to say that I "connected" best with the second chapter, an essay from Christian Jensen. From the get go he could have been describing my daily life, other than my kids get up before I do, can't imagine trying to write anything before 6:30am and don't have quite his quirky sense of humor. (though I love it!) I laughed so hard I cried reading this essay and will be happily reading it out loud to my own husband when he returns from drill this weekend, I think he will find it rather amusing as well.
I love that he...well I don't want to spoil it, but let me say his "encouraging" notes on the kids lunch sacks are priceless. Makes me think of the time I proudly walked my kids to the bus in my penguin flannel jammies, old ratty robe, and hubby's slippers because the driver has asked to speak with me about my the youngest boy's actions while he rode the bus. Utter humiliation for the child, yup. Will he act up again on the bus...probably not. LOL
Yes even though I am a stay at home mom, which seems to be more accepted in society, I understood, agreed with, and nodded along with these essays. You see it doesn't matter who's at home, mom or dad, we deal with the same issues, challenges, and we enjoy it. So the next time you meet a stay at home dad, don't think less of him, shake his hand and congratulate him for choosing what I think is the most rewarding job there is. Yes it is a job, without a paycheck, no vacation time, but none of that matters when the kidlets snuggle up, give you smooshy kisses and say you are the best mom/or dad in the world.
Whether you are a mom or a dad or an aunt, uncle or even just thinking of having kids, you need to read this anthology, it is worth it and I can't wait to read more. (hint hint Jeremy, start planning the next installment please)
http://www.yourneedtoread.blogspot.co...
I agreed to review this because as a stay at home mom, I wanted to see how the male version did it. Yup the stay at home dad. I always thought I had a pretty good outlook on stay at home dads and actually know a few (dad's of kids who are in my kids class at school) I applaud any man who decides to take on this role, but after reading this I only wish more men would stand up and proudly shout to the world, "I am a stay at home dad and I am proud of it"
I loved this anthology, but have to say that I "connected" best with the second chapter, an essay from Christian Jensen. From the get go he could have been describing my daily life, other than my kids get up before I do, can't imagine trying to write anything before 6:30am and don't have quite his quirky sense of humor. (though I love it!) I laughed so hard I cried reading this essay and will be happily reading it out loud to my own husband when he returns from drill this weekend, I think he will find it rather amusing as well.
I love that he...well I don't want to spoil it, but let me say his "encouraging" notes on the kids lunch sacks are priceless. Makes me think of the time I proudly walked my kids to the bus in my penguin flannel jammies, old ratty robe, and hubby's slippers because the driver has asked to speak with me about my the youngest boy's actions while he rode the bus. Utter humiliation for the child, yup. Will he act up again on the bus...probably not. LOL
Yes even though I am a stay at home mom, which seems to be more accepted in society, I understood, agreed with, and nodded along with these essays. You see it doesn't matter who's at home, mom or dad, we deal with the same issues, challenges, and we enjoy it. So the next time you meet a stay at home dad, don't think less of him, shake his hand and congratulate him for choosing what I think is the most rewarding job there is. Yes it is a job, without a paycheck, no vacation time, but none of that matters when the kidlets snuggle up, give you smooshy kisses and say you are the best mom/or dad in the world.
Whether you are a mom or a dad or an aunt, uncle or even just thinking of having kids, you need to read this anthology, it is worth it and I can't wait to read more. (hint hint Jeremy, start planning the next installment please)
June 12, 2012
I received this as a firstreads so I would like to say thank you to Jeremy Rodden for sending me the book.
At first glance this book didn’t scream “read me!” I hate the term Mr. Mom, and naturally I found having it in the title put me off. I had never heard of the movie and I didn’t realize that’s where the term came from. Regardless, I call it being a dad, and if you stay at home to raise the kids then you’re a stay at home dad. But I digress…
This book is great. Don’t be put off by the title, or the simplistic purple cover, it is a great read. As a female who had their child at a relatively young age, and looked even younger, I related with a lot of the stories. I can’t tell you how many times people assumed I was the babysitter, or how often I received those horrified looks when I said I was a mother. (And that was just the regular everyday stuff, never mind the people assumed I had but my son up for adoption because I was now attending university or the people who assume I was “questionable” because as a single parent I lived in a good neighborhood…) But again I digress…
This book is a very short, very easy read. Some essays are definitely better than others, but as a whole the book is funny and relatively light hearted while still being interesting and informative. Way better than I was expecting.
At first glance this book didn’t scream “read me!” I hate the term Mr. Mom, and naturally I found having it in the title put me off. I had never heard of the movie and I didn’t realize that’s where the term came from. Regardless, I call it being a dad, and if you stay at home to raise the kids then you’re a stay at home dad. But I digress…
This book is great. Don’t be put off by the title, or the simplistic purple cover, it is a great read. As a female who had their child at a relatively young age, and looked even younger, I related with a lot of the stories. I can’t tell you how many times people assumed I was the babysitter, or how often I received those horrified looks when I said I was a mother. (And that was just the regular everyday stuff, never mind the people assumed I had but my son up for adoption because I was now attending university or the people who assume I was “questionable” because as a single parent I lived in a good neighborhood…) But again I digress…
This book is a very short, very easy read. Some essays are definitely better than others, but as a whole the book is funny and relatively light hearted while still being interesting and informative. Way better than I was expecting.
July 17, 2012
It's always good to see 'the other point of view' and this collection of stories gives valuable insight into how dads cope with dealing with a part of life that most never really see. Although, women have, for the most part, always had to do this, with the additional string of having to 'earn money' too.
Yes, it's always good that fathers take an interest in their children, who can only benefit from the added dimension, but should dads receive any more medals for the 'job' than women? I've often heard it said that fathers are so 'brave' and 'wonderful' for staying at home with the kids, yet women never seem to afford the same luxury - many times having to 'do it all' without recognition, appreciation or thanks.
In my opinion, parents should be equal from all perspectives. Although the world may see women as inferior because they are, 1. women 2. mothers 3. stay at home 4. only housewives, 5. only part time earners 6. domestics, I wonder why the complete opposite happens when men take on the role, becoming almost heroes.
Yes, this book was well written and sprinkled with humour, but, I hope that readers don't romanticise the notion that men (like they've done with cooking) are even more superior if they take on a supposed woman's place.
Yes, it's always good that fathers take an interest in their children, who can only benefit from the added dimension, but should dads receive any more medals for the 'job' than women? I've often heard it said that fathers are so 'brave' and 'wonderful' for staying at home with the kids, yet women never seem to afford the same luxury - many times having to 'do it all' without recognition, appreciation or thanks.
In my opinion, parents should be equal from all perspectives. Although the world may see women as inferior because they are, 1. women 2. mothers 3. stay at home 4. only housewives, 5. only part time earners 6. domestics, I wonder why the complete opposite happens when men take on the role, becoming almost heroes.
Yes, this book was well written and sprinkled with humour, but, I hope that readers don't romanticise the notion that men (like they've done with cooking) are even more superior if they take on a supposed woman's place.
April 3, 2013
Despite this book being about the fairly new social phenomenon of stay-at-home dads, I think it has broad appeal to anyone who's ever had any of the following thoughts:
Am I nurturing enough person to be a good parent?
What logical reason do I have for having a child?
Will my child become an asshole if I send him to daycare?
How much is my career worth to me?
The stories are entertaining, heartwarming, and realistic. I greatly appreciated the viewpoints of real dads dealing with real social pressures. My problem with this book is that some of the stories are pretty poorly edited, and the last one in the series was practically unreadable to me; I gave up on it about halfway through.
That said, it's an honest and easy read and I think it's going for about a buck in the Kindle store, so I say go for it, particularly if you're a dude, or just a woman whose parents' upbringing with a high degree of respect for logic leaves her wondering why having kids should be part of her future.
Kelly Hitchcock
Author of The Redheaded Stepchild
Am I nurturing enough person to be a good parent?
What logical reason do I have for having a child?
Will my child become an asshole if I send him to daycare?
How much is my career worth to me?
The stories are entertaining, heartwarming, and realistic. I greatly appreciated the viewpoints of real dads dealing with real social pressures. My problem with this book is that some of the stories are pretty poorly edited, and the last one in the series was practically unreadable to me; I gave up on it about halfway through.
That said, it's an honest and easy read and I think it's going for about a buck in the Kindle store, so I say go for it, particularly if you're a dude, or just a woman whose parents' upbringing with a high degree of respect for logic leaves her wondering why having kids should be part of her future.
Kelly Hitchcock
Author of The Redheaded Stepchild
May 9, 2012
It is true in my eyes that a man can't keep up with everything the way a woman can. In my house I am the chef, nanny, maid, run all the errands, grocery shop, buy gifts for every holiday and event, etc... My husband was unemployed for eight months once and took over while I traveled for work and got mad because I asked him to do the laundry. If he was alone with our son full time he would play video games ll day and wallow in filth. This I know.
There were eight stories in this book but almost every single one is a professional writer working at home and taking care of the kids. That is not truly a stay-at-home Dad. But you do feel for them because at least they understand what the wife has to take care of.
There were eight stories in this book but almost every single one is a professional writer working at home and taking care of the kids. That is not truly a stay-at-home Dad. But you do feel for them because at least they understand what the wife has to take care of.
June 20, 2012
So far Christian jensens chapter was hilarious. He holds nothing back and tells it like it is! His honesty is refreshing and hilarious! They all talk about how being a stay at home dad is not as respected as a stay at home mom, which I believe they are right. I think this should not be the case and I do see more and more active dads that take on this role! I definitely think it will be considered part of the norm sooner rather than later.
August 22, 2012
I thought this was a refreshing book to read, reading all the different essays of "stay-at-home Dad's" All the Dad's, although having issues with how the public sees them, seemed to enjoy the bonding and nurturing they had with their children.
I agree with their feelings on how the public sees them as lazy, unemployed, stay-at-home Dad's...taking care of children full time is a hard job, whether you work at home or not.
I admire all the Dad's out there, who have taken this task on.
I agree with their feelings on how the public sees them as lazy, unemployed, stay-at-home Dad's...taking care of children full time is a hard job, whether you work at home or not.
I admire all the Dad's out there, who have taken this task on.
July 22, 2012
The Myth of Mr. Mom was a great read. I would recommend it to anyone, male or female, as it was a fantastic mix of anecdotes. I read the book because I was interested in the theme of how men feel about being stay-at-home dads. I was, honestly, pleasantly surprised by each story and each author.
May 11, 2012
The essays range from okay to poorly written, and the editing is atrocious. It was a quick read, but unless you are looking to feel less alone as a stay-at-home dad, it's probably not worth your while.
February 11, 2013
It was okay, boring in parts, funny in others.
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